Be sure to check out the amazing e-book giveaways at the very bottom. It’s going to be a sweet and spicy day!
******* ROBIN COVINGTON ******

Bestselling author Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she is collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello.

You can find Robin at her website (robincovingtonromance.com), Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!

Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!) and her beloved furbabies.

One Little Kiss by Robin Covington is absolutely sinful and I am thrilled to see it’s a contender in the 2016 RITA Novella category. It’s got depth of emotion and plot, amazing characters and a VERY emotionally satisfying ending. Without sacrifice, work or challenges, love isn’t worth the risk!

Leighton Greer is on her way to Dublin for a chance of a lifetime until a raging blizzard delays her flight and strands her at the airport.

Karma can be worse than an crazy ex-boyfriend. For Leighton it smacked her straight into the very man she ran out on. Now, it will take a little Irish luck to charm her way around the very man who stole more than just her heart.

Jonas Sutton has a secret, he’s in love with Leighton and absolutely pissed she walked out on him. Things are totally complicated now, she’s his best friend’s sister.

Desperate to spend time and find out why she left him, Jonas rescues her from the airport. They are given a second chance for redemption, both at the airport because they are headed out of town. What are the odds?

Leighton is shocked by his sudden news and forced to face her feelings, will she run again? Can they both have their dreams? Will these two souls desperate for each other finally connect?

This three pepper spicy latte sizzles and is a must read. I sat down to read it and did not get out of my chair till I clicked on the last page. I am in love with this tasty tale.

This story is pretty hot with content for mature readers 18 +.

Excerpt:

The guy leaning on me really needs an Altoid.

I shift to the side as my impromptu airport floor roommate snuggles closer and lets loose a snore that makes my nearby fellow captives look in our direction in alarm. I’m not looking forward to riding out the snowstorm in Terminal D with a man who needs an industrial strength nasal strip but I fought hard for the prime spot along the wall close to an electrical outlet and I’m not moving.

When the airline had begun cancelling flights due to the unexpected blizzard three days before St. Patrick’s Day, the first wave of activity in international departures was to secure a hotel room for the night. Being neither a platinum or some other precious gem level member at one of the big hotel chains had meant I was out of luck in securing any kind of room for the night so I’d wedged my way in between overstuffed carry-ons and whiny kids to grab my piece of prime real estate along the wall.

Two hours later, my phone is fully charged but the answer is clear—there is no room for me in the inn. Or the Marriott. Or the Hilton.

A great way to start my first adventure.

Two and a half months from my college graduation and I’m taking the chances in my life that I should have been taking all along. Finally. I’m beginning to feel like the person I am supposed to be but not everyone is on board with my accelerated program of development. The parentals, my twin brother—they mean well but they worry about me. Too much.

I am the fragile one. The one who needs to be careful. The one they almost lost. You’d think beating childhood leukemia would have made me brave, fierce. Nope. I’d bought into their characterization and worn it like a cloak to protect me from the big bad world until I’d almost suffocated under the weight. And then a few months ago, Brian-the-cheaterface had kicked my ass to the curb two weeks before Christmas for a girl named Silver who had green hair, ear gauges and a tongue stud and blamed it all on my being only slightly less boring than a bag of flour. Actually, his exact words were “if you’d only live with the passion you put into your fucking music I wouldn’t have had to look elsewhere” but it all amounted to the same thing.

And as big a cheating asshole Brian was, he wasn’t wrong.

So, I wallowed in my misery for a week and then grabbed the nearest bottle of champagne and proceeded to spend New Year’s Eve “living with passion” in the bed of a guy I’d wanted for what seemed like forever. I also beat feet out of there before the morning after ruined the memories of the night. A cowardly move, I know.

He must have been on the same page because he avoided me in the weeks following our night of sweaty fun between the sheets. The times when we had to be together were infrequent but held a level of awkward somewhere between catching your parents making out on the couch and leaving the restroom with your skirt stuck in your panties. Good times.

But I am determined to live with passion, so when my music program selected me to go to the Celtic Music Festival in Dublin a month ago, I dusted off my passport, spared a moment to regret the terrible ID photo, and booked my ticket.

And now my flight is cancelled until the snowstorm passes, I’m stuck in the airport with a million other spring breakers, and my folks have lost their minds. It isn’t like taking a spring break trip to Ireland is the height of danger but you’d think I was pledging to marry a death-row inmate or something, the way they are acting.

They finally stopped calling after I let their calls go to voicemail but they weren’t shy about pulling out the big guns and so the next series of calls were from their not-so-secret weapon—my twin brother Landon.

I hit the screen and sigh, making sure a little bit of bitch is added to the overall tone of annoyance. “Landon. I’m going to Dublin. The flights will be back on tomorrow. Stop calling.”

“Number Two.” I bite back the urge to tell him for the eleventy billionth time to stop calling me that childhood nickname. I was three minutes behind him in arriving on this planet and he never lets me forget it. “Mom is shitting a brick because she thinks you’re going to be murdered in your sleep by someone who wants your carry-on.”

I glance at the small backpack at my feet. Yeah, I have the usual electronics in it —iPad, iPod—but the real treasure is in the hard case tucked close to my side. My violin, Wonder Woman, is inside and worth at least a year of tuition according to the insurance papers. She is my best friend, an extension of my body. My heart. We’ve been together since I was sixteen years old.

“If someone wants her they’ll have to pry her out of my cold, dead hands.”

He laughs. “And that is exactly what mom’s having a cow about.”

“Landon,” I sigh.

“Number Two.”

Did I mention how much I hate that nickname?

“I wish everyone would stop treating me like I am helpless or something. I’m not going to break or have a breakdown because I have to sleep at the airport.”

“We worry about you,” he says and then mumbles something to himself I can’t make out.

“What? What did you say?”

“Look. I sent the cavalry,” he rushes in and I let out a groan that catches the attention of several of my fellow strandees. I smile, trying to reassure them that I’m not the wacko they need to worry about as he keeps talking. “It was either this or mom was going to call airport security.”

“She didn’t.” If she did I was going to die on the spot. Melt into a pile of embarrassed goo and be nothing but a dark stain on the disgusting industrial carpet.

“She didn’t because I offered a compromise.”

“What kind of compromise?” But I knew. I knew because I saw it walking towards me with a slow grin and six feet three inches of lanky, sexy, muscled body. I can’t help the way my mouth drops open on a whispered, “oh my God” as I end the call. Hell, I’m glad I can still form a sentence at this point in time since the last person I want to see and the one person I’m desperate to have saunters towards me.

Jonas Sutton.

The guy I spent the night with on New Year’s Eve and then ditched before the sun came up. My brother’s roommate and best friend.

He stops right in front of me, forcing me to look up to see his face. He stares down at me, not missing a damn thing and barely hiding the smirk teasing at his lips.

“Who’s your boyfriend?”

I glance at the dude still leaning against my shoulder and lightly shove him away. He sways in the opposite direction for a nanosecond but then falls back against me, a loud snuffly snore joining the waft of bad breath he aims in my direction. I shudder and try to breathe through my mouth.

Jonas shoves his hands in his pockets but I’m not fooled by the casual manner, the zinger is coming. He’ll never let a moment like this pass him by.

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With nine New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller List more than three dozen times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love and Fighting Fire. She recently released BIG ROCK, a sexy standalone romantic comedy that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. In the late spring, she’ll release MISTER O, another standalone romantic comedy.

Mister O by Lauren Blakely is a sexy and fun adventure of a man that will knock your socks off. In her latest release Lauren has once again written a story that is full of charm, impeccable comedic timing and sizzle. For those who read Big Rock and thought it couldn’t get any better, you haven’t read Mister O.

Satisfaction guaranteed is Nick Hammer’s motto, a skill he’s quite proud of and not afraid to mention to anyone willing to listen. In fact, when his best friends younger sister needs help with men, Nick is all too eager to help. There’s just one catch, Nick needs to remember that she’s practically family and off limits. If Nick isn’t careful he’ll discover that he’s attractive to her nerdy ways and quirkiness.

Nick is a cartoonist and has it all going for him, a hit TV show, a lifestyle that suits his single ways, and loves living in NYC. But, is he ready to let go of his heart and fall in love?

Harper Holiday has known Nick for years and is clumsy, nerdy and absolutely unable to talk to men. At least a man who isn’t a friend. When Nick witness’s her blunder when men approach her, intervention is necessary. Harper admires Nick’s uncanny way with words and wonders about the truth to the rumors of his skills in the bedroom. With her brother away for a week on his honeymoon, it’s time to put her plan into action. Will Nick help her learn what she needs to finally find a man?

A week is a long time for advice, tutoring and lots of time together to perfect a few necessary dating skills to secure a man. Hmmm, will these two friends discover that the chemistry between them is more than just a fleeting moment? It’s obvious to everyone around them, but they are too scared to admit it to each other.

Between the flirty texts, the sexy moments and the intense banter this book will become a new favorite read. I’m looking forward to reading about the other supporting sexy men that Lauren has written about.

If you loved reading about Spencer and Charlotte in Big Rock, then you will LOVE Mister O. I’m also thrilled to read that Nick’s brother Wyatt will have his story next. Congrats Lauren on a fresh, fun and intensely sexy read!

Please be sure to check the blog tomorrow for my Coffee With Lauren!

This 4 Jalapenos Spicy Latte is full on, no holds barred and go for it sensuality and situations. Definitely heats it up and might offend. For mature readers, 18 +.

I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.

*****

Excerpt:

“You’re good, Nick. You know just what to do and how to behave. This is why you attract women in droves.”I kind of want to protest. I feel like she has this impression of me that I don’t necessarily want her to have, but I’m not sure how to deflect this. “Because I have a gift?”
“That and several other reasons.” She waves broadly at my arms. It’s October, but it’s not chilly tonight so I don’t have a jacket on. “First, there are the arms. All that ink and muscle.”
She roams her eyes over my biceps. “I mean, your ink is awesome,” she says, pointing to the shapes and swirls I designed myself. The tattoos are abstract lines and curves, but inside them there’s a sun, a moon, and stars, because those were the first things I realized I was good at drawing.
“Then, the body. Mr. Men’s Health-I’m-so-fit,” she says in this mocking tone, but it’s not me she’s making fun of. It’s the article.
“You read it?”
“I read everything. I devour information,” she says, and we’re right back to that place I seem to inhabit with her, where she compliments me, but she could be saying it like I’m a car she’s considering buying. And this one has one hundred seventy horsepower.
“And then, there’s your face, and you have all this awesome scruff on it.”
I run a hand over my jaw, and the neat, trim beard that’s like an additional sex toy I can bring to the bedroom. “Chicks dig the beard,” I say, with a lopsided grin.
“I bet they do,” she says under her breath. She doesn’t say anything else right away. She presses her teeth into the corner of her lip and then speaks, more softly than before. “Can I feel it?”

** I received the excerpt, graphics, and all non-amazon links from Ink Slinger.**
(** re-posted from 5/2/16)

*****

Big Rock by Lauren Blakely is available now!

Does size matter? It depends on what you’re talking about! For many, some will say no, it doesn’t matter, for others, they will say yes, it does. Spencer Holiday loves to brag. If you want to know how he feels, read Big Rock.

Spencer is perfect in almost every way. Gorgeous, smart, a savvy businessman and heir to the renowned jewelry store in the heart of New York City. You know, the one that puts all their jewels in a little blue box. It’s a family business that just might need his help but he’s content with his own business, the one he runs with Charlotte Rhodes, his best friend.

Charlotte is both a perfect business partner and best friend. She’s the kind of woman that knows what Spencer needs, most of the time. Beautiful in her own right, she’s always willing to partake in a plan or rescue without hesitation

When Spencer randomly mentions to his father during a key meeting for the family jewelry store that he’s just proposed to Charlotte, will they take him seriously? Engaged? Can he go through with it? Perhaps there’s more to it than changing the outcome of the meeting? Sometimes a plan doesn’t always end the way it should. Spencer might just find out that what he’s been looking for has been right in front of him the entire time.

Discover what happens as Spencer and Charlotte kick their game up a notch. Can these friends convince everyone their love is the real deal despite being “just friends?”

Is it true that New York City’s notorious playboy is off the market and ready to commit to forever with one woman? Everything is perfect, but someone isn’t happy about Spencer and Charlotte’s impending nuptials. Will they make it down the aisle?

If you are looking for a standalone read that’s off the chart with sizzle from the super smokin’ cover to a story written from his POV, then you will want to get your copy now. At $3.99 the price is just right for a mid-week treat. Tackle those mid-week doldrums with a Spicy Latte read.

This was the first book I’ve read from Lauren and I thought her writing was flawless, witty and super steamy. A quick mention to the cover designer, creative use of the wording on the cover

This Spicy Latte is full on, no holds barred and go for it sensuality and situations. Definitely heats it up and might offend. For mature readers, 18 +.

I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.

(** re-posted from 1/6/16)

******* ELIZABETH HEITER ********

ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit (or a lot!) of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range.

Checkout a few books from Elizabeth’s Harlequin Intrigue series.

Seduced by the Sniper, by Elizabeth Heiter, is the second book in The Lawmen Series from Harlequin Intrigue. Chelsie Russell, an FBI negotiator, is involved in a tragic hostage situation that doesn’t end they way she’d planned. The results affect her family and colleagues. Scott Delacorte is an FBI agent trained to rescue hostages and has a reputation for being a playboy. When an unexpected development in a supposedly resolved case puts them in jeopardy, will they have the strength to admit the truth about how they feel towards each other?

Assumptions were made that could interfere with him protecting her. Can Chelsie open up to him? Will he put his playboy ways behind him? Scott is determined to keep her safe at all costs. There’s just one problem, he is still thinking about what happened between them before the hostage ordeal and it’s driving him crazy.

There is something so sexy about an FBI agent who can’t figure out his way around women but knows how to fire a weapon with precision and accuracy. So sexy! This story will keep you engaged with enough action, sizzle and heat to keep you reading till the very last page.

This was the first book I’d read by Elizabeth and I absolutely LOVED it. I receive this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review but would have purchased this book for myself or a friend. Get your copy now!

(** re-posted from 3/29/15)

*****

SWAT Secret Admirer (The Lawmen), by Elizabeth Heiter, is a must read. Maggie Delacorte has been haunted by a madman from an unsolved case that has remained so for the past ten years, with very few leads. Everything she’s done, her job and relationships, has been affected because of what happened. Working for FBI SWAT is vital to her physical and emotional survival. When an unexpected letter arrives, everything changes and no one is safe.

Grant Larkin is new to the SWAT team and unbeknownst to Maggie, knows more than she probably would like about her past. When Grant is assigned to her case, things become clear, risks must be taken, and secrets need to be revealed. However, Grant wants more than friendship from Maggie and isn’t sure how to tell her. If he pursues his feelings it could jeopardize everything. How will she respond? How will he react? Maggie can’t afford to let herself get close to him, or can she?

This book is another great read from Harlequin Intrigue and has all the elements of it that we expect from a fabulous publisher! The perfect amount of romance, hot young FBI agents in a compelling and griping story that twists and turns!

While this book reads great as a stand alone, it’s even better when read in order as there is crossover from other great characters in each book.

I received this ARC from the Author for a fair and honest review and would absolutely buy this book and any future Lawmen series books. In fact, I look forward to more. Who’s will be next, Kammy? Clive? There just has to be more!

(** re-posted from 3/30/15)**** ELIZABETH HOYT ****

Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing “mesmerizing.” She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt.

The Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt is the tenth installment in the Maiden Lane series. Welcome to the world of secrets, games and fairy tales wrapped in a beautiful cover!

Bridget Crumb is the loyal housekeeper for a man who seek out the worst in people and holds those secrets for his gain. When circumstances force the Duke out of town, Bridget is left to manage his home and it leaves many questions unanswered. Intent of saving someone she loves from his wicked schemes she seeks out the truth from within the house. If her boss is away, why does she always feel like someone is watching her too?

Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery has witnessed his share of horrific acts by men who were supposed to keep people safe. Now a grown man he is still on a quest to find out the truth to that painful night all those years ago. The grown Duke is not a man anyone wishes to cross and with his collection of secrets it could be disastrous for anyone who crosses him. Can the man who controls everything let himself be tamed? One question still haunts him, who is Bridget loyal too?

Growing up without love can destroy a man rendering himself unable to reciprocate when the opportunity presents itself. When Bridget sets out to fix the pain Val has inflicted, what will he do with the news of her betrayal? Is it really a betrayal if it’s with good intention?

Elizabeth has infused this story with redemption, honesty and love. When Val believes he is unable to be loved it is due to the knowledge of atrocious acts inflicted by those closest to him. The damaged is from witnessing the effect it had on the one person he cared about. Yet, years later, he hasn’t been broken. While he still carries that secret close to him it is out of love to protect his sister. It will take a strong woman to show him that he is worthy of love and affection with someone of his own.

Another captivating read from Elizabeth with attention to most intricate details. From the characters to the house Val lives in, this story is fantastic. There is a certain expectation when you sit down to read a Maiden Lane book. What is that dear reader? A great story infused with a magical fairytale of wisdom and truth, animals of all kinds, and absolute chemistry for our hero and heroine that sizzles.

Are you new to the series? Fear not dear readers this book can be read as a standalone but I think you will enjoy your reading pleasure more if you read the entire series in order. There are TEN books to dive into. So, wherever you obtain your books from – library, bookstore or e-retailer, you can find them anywhere!

A spicy 2 1/2 pepper read and has enough heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.

Get your copy here and have it delivered to your e-reader before you wake up this Tuesday. A wonderful gift to yourself this holiday weekend.

Around back of the stables Bridget saw a group of boys surrounding something on the ground. As she gasped, a boy—a great big fellow, nearly as big as a man—drew back his leg and kicked.

The thing on the ground yelped.

“No!” Bridget shouted, but she was drowned out by a gunshot.

She turned to see the Duke of Montgomery, standing in his shirt-sleeves and pink embroidered waistcoat and breeches, hip cocked, a smoking pistol held almost negligently aloft in his left hand.

He smiled, as sweetly as an adder baring its fangs, at the boys. “Won’t you please vacate this area?”

The boys seemed frozen by surprise—or stark fear.

The duke tilted his head and his smile dropped from his face, leaving it blank—and somehow much more frightening. “Now.”

There was a mad scramble and then the mews was deserted save for her and the duke.

Bridget blinked and hurried to her little terrier, tied quite disgracefully by a cord around his neck to a stake in the ground. He lay on his side in the mud, but his tail thumped against the dirt when he saw her. He jumped to his feet, shaking himself, and tried to limp toward her, but was stopped by the cord.

She knelt in the mud and tried to pull the cord from his neck, but it had been tied terribly tight and her hands were shaking.

She felt the duke crouch behind her, his arms reaching around her, warm and hard, and felt a moment’s confusion before he leaned forward and murmured in her ear, “Here.”

He placed her opened chatelaine knife in her hands.

She took it gratefully. “Thank you.”

Carefully she cut the cord and picked up the little dog, his body warm and rather smelly in her arms.

The terrier immediately began licking her chin.

Bridget inhaled on a sob, even as she felt the brush of the duke’s tongue at the corner of her eye.

“Your tears taste like salvation.” His voice was deep, resonating against her back, and he almost sounded puzzled.

She shuddered, gasping, but didn’t dare look around, and then he was gone.

Biting her lips, she smoothed her hands over the dog’s small, wriggling body, trying to feel for broken bones. As far as she could tell, the terrier was bruised, but fine, although he had a bit of blood over one eye. He gazed up at her adoringly and it came to her all at once that his name was Pip.

Pip.

She looked up.

The duke was still there, watching her in the gloaming, his beautiful golden hair ablaze in the setting sun.

She cleared her throat. “I…thank you. For saving him.”

It was hard to tell his expression in the dim light, but she thought he smiled.

She still held Pip, loath to let him go. Would the boys find him again, perhaps kill him this time? “I…er…I didn’t know you liked dogs?”

“I don’t.” He shrugged. “But you do.”

************************************************************

*************** GIVEAWAY ********** GIVEAWAY ***************

Check out the featured prized that have been generously donated for the first post of the day. Check out what you could win…

From Robin Covington:

ONE print copy of RUSH

~~~~~~~~~~

From Sandra Lake:

SIX e-book sets of A Sons of the North Series (The Warlords Wife, The Iron Princess, and The Northman’s Bride)

For a chance to win one of these AMAZING prizes please comment and respond to the following questions on this blog post:

How do you decide where to go for your big meal of the holiday? Is your family so big that you have to spread it out? What is your favorite dish to make and what do you do while you are waiting for it to all cook?

Do you cook it all or split it up and have everyone bring a faborite dish?

Contest ends 7/20/16 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post OR on the public Books I Love A Latte FaceBook Personal Blog Page.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte) to keep up to date on everything.

If the winners do not comment within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!

The Warlord’s Wife (A Sons of the North Romance), by Sandra Lake, is a Viking adventure that is set in 12th century Sweden. Lida, a recent widow, finds herself in a situation of misunderstanding and betrayal as she is “returned” home to her family, in shame. At the tender age of 16 she finds herself in a pregnancy scandal and unsure whom she can depend on. Will her family receive with open arms or shun her too?

As the years moved forward Lida always makes sure that she and her child are cared for and safe. When a warlord travels through one day, it changes everything. Jarl Magnus is a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t like disobedience. When he proclaims to his men that he wants Lida, she once again finds herself powerless and unable to be in control. What will happen when Magnus discovers she has a daughter from a previous union? Will he protect both her and the child? This man is nothing but ice and stone, just like his homeland. Can she learn to adapt? Can she have faith that her safety won’t be compromised?

Unfortunately all is not calm for Jarl Magnus in his kingdom. Some are not so welcoming to Lida as his new queen, and secrets and plans are in motion. Will she finally be able to find happiness and love? Will Magnus allow himself to show a softer side?

Discover a sweeping and majestic setting that’s filled with rich characters, a fantastic story, and a steamy romance! This is one journey you will want to take. I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I would happily purchase this book or give it as a gift!

(** original review posted 3/18/16)

The Iron Princess (Sons of the North Series Book #2) by Sandra Lake is an epic Viking romance full of adventure, lust, deceit and a need for independence.

Katia is the daughter of King Jarl Magnus and longs to be a soldier. The desire to experience life without constraints is paramount and she will challenge anyone under disguise to a round of sword fighting of course! After dueling Lothair, he finds himself excited and displeased at the shocking discovery. Katia’s lack of concern for safety only sears his objection to marriage freely admitting that he’d rather be married to the sea.

This “Iron Princess” will do everything to protect those she loves, even if it comes with a hefty price. When Katia finds herself in a desperate situation her hero comes from an unlikely champion. I love these characters and find myself swept away with them sailing the Baltic Sea and hoping for peace and tranquility!

Once again we are treated to a story full of passion that’s intense and magical. Family feuds. Kingdoms to conquer. Who will Katia be able to trust? No one is safe.

If only Lothair and Katia could admit they do care for each other and could be more than just friends. Sandra does a magnificent job developing the relationship between them throwing unexpected challenges in their path.

I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I would gladly purchase this book for myself or as a gift! I only hope that we won’t have to wait too long for the next book to be released.

While this is the second book in a series it can be enjoyed without reading The Warlord’s Wife.

(**Original review posted

The Northman’s Bride is the third book in the Sons of North and it’s a must read! A story of mistaken identity, love and redemption that sweep us off our feet and into a land of Vikings!

Our heroine Sovia is forced to put herself in a compromising predicament once again. When the “plan” unravels will Sovia be able to control her temper or trust her father?

Hök has learned a lot fighting to prove himself and protect his honor. In order to win a battle two vital skills are listening and the ability to stay one step ahead of his opponent.

Even under stress Sovia is strong and will fight to protect the one thing that matter’s most to her. When Hök offers her a solution to save her life it will shock them both. Will she agree? How will Hök’s family react when they discover what’s happened. The last time they saw each other it nearly cost them both everything. Many people say the truth will set you free. For Sovia, the truth might destroy her and those she loves.

Wars, conquests, trust and a secret that could destroy this new life she’s attempted to make for herself are a few of the reasons this must read will make you a fan of Sandra Lake forever! I love Sandra’s books and find her writing to be rich in details, compelling and each book takes me on a journey of the heart and soul. If you’re not into Viking romance I ask you to give this a try, it will make a fan out of you! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself googling modern day images of Viking’s.

While this is the third book in her A Son’s of the North series it can be enjoyed without reading her backlist. However, if you have not read The Warlord’s Wife or The Iron Princess and missed my reviews you can check it out here and then grab a copy and start your adventure!

**************** Excerpt ****************

For the first time, Hök caught sight of Sovia flinching. The slight wince wouldn’t be noticeable to many, but she swallowed a little too hard and her eyes shifted a little too quickly around the congested hall. She was wearing nothing more than a thin rag of a garment, but she refused to tremble from the chill in the windy hall or cower in fear before her fate.

“You pose a series of problems to my court.” Sverre pointed his fork at her. “As you know, most in this hall wish to see you dead.”

Sovia’s back straightened, as if she was preparing herself to be hung at that very moment. Hök admired her self-possession. It was a shame such self-control was wasted on a woman. She would have made an excellent battle commander.

“An alternative fate has been proposed to resolve the inconvenience of your presence in my court,” the king said. “Are you not going to ask me, witch? Are you not at all curious?”

“I have never had a say in what my fate might be,” Sovia said. “Why waste your time by asking? You will do with me whatever is your will.”

“You are a clever girl,” the king said, and turned to his companions. “I have never approved of women being educated. Far too dangerous.”

“How right you are,” Jarl Brosa groaned, likely thinking of his own wife, who was known for her scheming, political mind.

“You, woman, are a problem,” the king said.

She tilted her head down—not in a full bow, but with more submission than she had shown anyone up to that point. She breathed slowly, clearly working to restrain her temper. “I do not wish to be, Your Majesty.”

The king leaned forward. “Well then, what is your wish?”

“I would return to my home in Toraslotte, Your Majesty,” she said with a distinctly meeker tone. “I would speak of your mercy and generosity and send you a generous tribute by way of my gratitude.”

“Mercy, generosity, tribute . . . lies fall off your tongue as easily as your favors. I killed your father and his men. I shamed you publicly. Why would you falsely claim I am generous to you?”

“You have slain my enemy, therefore I think you deserving of tribute.”

“Which enemy of yours did I slay?”

“My father, of course.”

Conversation broke out in the hall, and both of the king’s advisors spoke at once.

Hök kept silent, watching Sovia closely. Her words clearly had a ring of truth. She had considered her own father an enemy.

For the first time since she’d entered the hall, Lady Sovia’s eyes fell on Hök, and their eyes locked but for a moment. Her cheeks paled and her balance faltered. She took a step out to the side, and her jailer yanked her arm, holding her steady.

A murderous rage for the man that dared touch her tore through him. Hök was on his feet. She’s mine! he snarled silently from within.

Descending from the dais, Hök unwrapped his fur mantle from his shoulders. He shoved the jailer away and draped the mantle on her shoulders. As he secured his gold cloak pin, she kept her eyes and head down, refusing to meet his gaze. Good, he thought. It pleased him that she feared him. It would be simpler that way.

“Your Majesty,” Hök said. “The hour grows late. I request that you inform your prisoner of her fate and excuse me and my men so that we may prepare for our departure.” Hök bowed his head.

“So be it, comrade,” the king said. “Though you do take all the fun out of it, Hök. “Lady Sovia, if you wish to quit my dungeon, you will enter into wedlock with Lord Hök, making him the new master of Toraslotte.” He pointed his knife at her and leaned forward across the table. “You will sign a contract stating your union with Magnusson was of your own free will, design, and desire. Heed my warning: your people will know of this generosity and mercy I have granted you, and you will be the agent of peace, uniting our country, or so help me God I will swing the axe of judgment across your pretty little neck myself.

“Whether you ever see your castle again will be the decision of Lord Hök. Do you accept these conditions, Lady Sovia?”

Her head lifted and she answered quietly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Author Info:

Sandra Lake was raised in rural Canada. She married her childhood sweetheart (who during her childhood resembled more like her childhood nemesis) and is currently living happily-ever-after along with their kids and unruly husky in eastern Canada.

********* Hildie McQueen Giveaway **********

For a chance to win an e-book of Montana Bachelor and swag tell us would you ride off into the sunset with your cowboy even if you couldn’t ride a horse?

Contest ends 7/16/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on this blog post.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.

If the winners do not comment within 24 hours a new name will be drawn. Don’t miss out!

Good luck to all!

***** Sandra Lake GIVEAWAY *****

Sandra Lake has generously donated THREEkindle e-book bundles of her Series A Son’s of the North Romance for US/Canada readers only.

Each set includes a copy of The Warlord’s Wife, The Iron Princess and The Northman’s Bride!

To enter please comment below on what you qualities would make a great Viking Warrior!

Contest ends 7/16/16 at 2 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on the blog post.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.

If the winners do not comment within 24 hour a new name will be drawn….don’t miss out!

The Northman’s Bride is the third book in the Sons of North and it’s a must read! A story of mistaken identity, love and redemption that sweep us off our feet and into a land of Vikings!

Our heroine Sovia is forced to put herself in a compromising predicament once again. When the “plan” unravels will Sovia be able to control her temper or trust her father?

Hök has learned a lot fighting to prove himself and protect his honor. In order to win a battle two vital skills are listening and the ability to stay one step ahead of his opponent.

Even under stress Sovia is strong and will fight to protect the one thing that matter’s most to her. When Hök offers her a solution to save her life it will shock them both. Will she agree? How will Hök’s family react when they discover what’s happened. The last time they saw each other it nearly cost them both everything. Many people say the truth will set you free. For Sovia, the truth might destroy her and those she loves.

Wars, conquests, trust and a secret that could destroy this new life she’s attempted to make for herself are a few of the reasons this must read will make you a fan of Sandra Lake forever! I love Sandra’s books and find her writing to be rich in details, compelling and each book takes me on a journey of the heart and soul. If you’re not into Viking romance I ask you to give this a try, it will make a fan out of you! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself googling modern day images of Viking’s ;).

While this is the third book in her A Son’s of the North series it can be enjoyed without reading her backlist. However, if you have not read The Warlord’s Wife or The Iron Princess and missed my reviews you can check it out here and then grab a copy and start your adventure!

For the first time, Hök caught sight of Sovia flinching. The slight wince wouldn’t be noticeable to many, but she swallowed a little too hard and her eyes shifted a little too quickly around the congested hall. She was wearing nothing more than a thin rag of a garment, but she refused to tremble from the chill in the windy hall or cower in fear before her fate.

“You pose a series of problems to my court.” Sverre pointed his fork at her. “As you know, most in this hall wish to see you dead.”

Sovia’s back straightened, as if she was preparing herself to be hung at that very moment. Hök admired her self-possession. It was a shame such self-control was wasted on a woman. She would have made an excellent battle commander.

“An alternative fate has been proposed to resolve the inconvenience of your presence in my court,” the king said. “Are you not going to ask me, witch? Are you not at all curious?”

“I have never had a say in what my fate might be,” Sovia said. “Why waste your time by asking? You will do with me whatever is your will.”

“You are a clever girl,” the king said, and turned to his companions. “I have never approved of women being educated. Far too dangerous.”

“How right you are,” Jarl Brosa groaned, likely thinking of his own wife, who was known for her scheming, political mind.

“You, woman, are a problem,” the king said.

She tilted her head down—not in a full bow, but with more submission than she had shown anyone up to that point. She breathed slowly, clearly working to restrain her temper. “I do not wish to be, Your Majesty.”

The king leaned forward. “Well then, what is your wish?”

“I would return to my home in Toraslotte, Your Majesty,” she said with a distinctly meeker tone. “I would speak of your mercy and generosity and send you a generous tribute by way of my gratitude.”

“Mercy, generosity, tribute . . . lies fall off your tongue as easily as your favors. I killed your father and his men. I shamed you publicly. Why would you falsely claim I am generous to you?”

“You have slain my enemy, therefore I think you deserving of tribute.”

“Which enemy of yours did I slay?”

“My father, of course.”

Conversation broke out in the hall, and both of the king’s advisors spoke at once.

Hök kept silent, watching Sovia closely. Her words clearly had a ring of truth. She had considered her own father an enemy.

For the first time since she’d entered the hall, Lady Sovia’s eyes fell on Hök, and their eyes locked but for a moment. Her cheeks paled and her balance faltered. She took a step out to the side, and her jailer yanked her arm, holding her steady.

A murderous rage for the man that dared touch her tore through him. Hök was on his feet. She’s mine! he snarled silently from within.

Descending from the dais, Hök unwrapped his fur mantle from his shoulders. He shoved the jailer away and draped the mantle on her shoulders. As he secured his gold cloak pin, she kept her eyes and head down, refusing to meet his gaze. Good, he thought. It pleased him that she feared him. It would be simpler that way.

“Your Majesty,” Hök said. “The hour grows late. I request that you inform your prisoner of her fate and excuse me and my men so that we may prepare for our departure.” Hök bowed his head.

“So be it, comrade,” the king said. “Though you do take all the fun out of it, Hök. “Lady Sovia, if you wish to quit my dungeon, you will enter into wedlock with Lord Hök, making him the new master of Toraslotte.” He pointed his knife at her and leaned forward across the table. “You will sign a contract stating your union with Magnusson was of your own free will, design, and desire. Heed my warning: your people will know of this generosity and mercy I have granted you, and you will be the agent of peace, uniting our country, or so help me God I will swing the axe of judgment across your pretty little neck myself.

“Whether you ever see your castle again will be the decision of Lord Hök. Do you accept these conditions, Lady Sovia?”

Her head lifted and she answered quietly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

***** GIVEAWAY *****

Sandra Lake has generously donated THREE kindle e-book bundles of her Series A Son’s of the North Romance for US/Canada readers only.

Each set includes a copy of The Warlord’s Wife, The Iron Princess and The Northman’s Bride!

That’s right – THREE sets of this must read series.

To enter please comment below on what you qualities would make a great Viking Warrior and be sure to follow Sandra Lake on FB, Twitter and her website!

Contest ends 6/14/16 at 10 PM EST. Winners will be randomly selected AND must comment on the blog post.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@RaeLatte) the blog (button on homepage) and my FB page (Books I Love A Latte ) to keep up to date on everything.

If the winners do not comment within 24 hour a new name will be drawn….don’t miss out!

Good luck to all!

Author Info:

Sandra Lake was raised in rural Canada. She married her childhood sweetheart (who during her childhood resembled more like her childhood nemesis) and is currently living happily-ever-after along with their kids and unruly husky in eastern Canada.

Looking for a few must read books for the weekend? These are books I’ve either read or are on my to be read list. Life is short. Support an author. Download a book. Discover a new favorite or dive-in to an old faithful 🙂

If the book was featured on the blog I’ve linked the review to the title. Just click on the book name and you’ll be able to read my review.

Enter the Brethren: Volume One (includes Enter the Brethren, My Lady the Spy, The Most Unlikely Lady and Loving Lt. Douglas – a prequel to the series) A HUGE deal – FOUR books by Barbara Devlin for $0.99 if you pre-order now! ** All other books in series are $2.99 each!

The Iron Princess (Sons of the North Series Book #2) by Sandra Lake is an epic viking romance full of adventure, lust, deceit and a need for independence.

Katia is the daughter of King Jarl Magnus and longs to be a soldier. The desire to experience life without constraints is paramount and she will challenge anyone under disguise to a round of sword fighting of course! After dueling Lothair, he finds himself excited and displeased at the shocking discovery. Katia’s lack of concern for safety only sears his objection to marriage freely admitting that he’d rather be married to the sea.

This “Iron Princess” will do everything to protect those she loves, even if it comes with a hefty price. When Katia finds herself in a desperate situation her hero comes from an unlikely champion. I love these characters and find myself swept away with them sailing the Baltic Sea and hoping for peace and tranquility!

Once again we are treated to a story full of passion that’s intense and magical. Family feuds. Kingdoms to conquer. Who will Katia be able to trust? No one is safe.

If only Lothair and Katia could admit they do care for each other and could be more than just friends. Sandra does a magnificent job developing the relationship between them throwing unexpected challenges in their path.

I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I would gladly purchase this book at a pre-order price of $2.99 for myself or as a gift! I only hope that we won’t have to wait too long for the next book to be released.

While this is the second book in a series it can be enjoyed without reading The Warlord’s Wife. If you have not read The Warlord’s Wife and missed my review you can check it out here https://booksilovealatte.wordpress.com/2015/03/18/a-sweeping-and-majestic-romance-thats-steamy-and-captivating/

The publisher has also reduced the price for a limited time and it’s a steal…$0.99 for a must read delight! Get your copy now!

AND

In case you missed my Coffee With Sandra Lake – check it out here… https://booksilovealatte.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/coffee-with-sandra-lake/

Author Info:

Sandra Lake was raised in rural Canada. She married her childhood sweetheart (who during her childhood resembled more like her childhood nemesis) and is currently living happily-ever-after along with their kids and unruly husky in eastern Canada.

First, if we were meeting at a Coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte. What would you be drinking? Mint tea, please. My naturopath guru has taken me off dairy and everything else delicious. I call it the ‘Non-Dairy, Non-Fun Program’. Before the health nutter ruined my taste pallet, it would have been a hot and creamy latte along with you.
Thank you so much for taking time to sit down and answer a few questions. I LOVED The Warlord’s Wife. Your story was absolutely spellbinding! I found it so engaging and breathtaking, as if I were truly in 12th century Sweden and Finland. What inspired you to write this story? The basic outline of Lida, my heroine, came from my grandmother. She had this terrible tragic life, a widow at twenty (with my mother on the way), disowned by her in-laws, she then worked tirelessly for ten years to support herself as a single mom. At 30, she remarried and had four sons. She died of breast cancer at the young age of 48.

Lida’s early years are pretty much torn from my grandmother’s diary. The glaring difference in the story I give Lida, is that her second husband wasn’t a bleep-bleep-bleep or a son of a bleep. So, in my imaginary world of Tronscar, I gave Lida a real man, Magnus, a man that starts out rough around the edges, but treats her and her daughter with love and respect.

How did you research for it? The setting of Sweden came to me when I hijacked my son’s school project of his family tree. My husband is half Swedish, and since I’m basically a mutt, having no ethic group to latch onto, I picked Sweden as my people. I always did love meatballs and smoked salmon. The history nerd in me then took over and for years I read any and all ‘Viking’ fiction and non-fiction.

I’m so excited to see that this is a series, how many books do you anticipate? Sink or swim in sales will probably answer that question better than me. I have several more completed manuscripts, following the lives of Magnus and Lida’s ‘Sons of the North’.

The one I am most entrenched in right now is book 3, Hök, Magnus and Lida’s second son. At the tender age of eighteen, he gets his heart trampled on by a beautiful, highborn Norwegian girl who is used in a ‘honey pot’ scam to extort Magnus. Years later, Hök and Sovia meet up again, she’s seconds from having her head cut off for selling secrets to Sweden’s enemies. She’s been labeled a whore by the Swedish Queen and does not shrink from the title but bolding argues that if her actions render her guilty of low morals, then so be the definition of all men. Fearing igniting a new war with Norway, the last war has just ended, Hök petitions the King to let him wed Sovia for her inherited land. The king agrees, granting this favor to Hök as a returning war hero. Their marriage begins as a battle ground, him not trusting her, disgusted with her past, Sovia using a false front of arrogant pride to cover up her deep inner pain and feelings of worthlessness. Their marriage quickly simmers into something much more…oh and Hök of course has to avenge the warlord that tries to take her from him.

I’m obsessed with Sovia at the moment. She’s damaged, been treated harshly by the world since she was a little girl, but she has an unbreakable spirit that Hök, nor I, cannot help but admire. Fingers crossed they will one day see the light of day. I really hope that there will be at least two or three more books in the series.

When is the Iron Princess being released? I’m not sure I can wait that long 🙂 I was told this week the release date is 6/6/15. I just finished my last touch ups and I admit, I didn’t want to send it back and let Katia and Lothair go. The story is very different from The Warlord’s Wife, which I would hope classifies as a family drama, where The Iron Princess is an adventure, coming of age story for both main characters. I had so much fun writing it. It didn’t feel at all like work, more like my alone time with my best friends…did that sound as corny as I think it did?

Not at all 🙂 Thank you again- I had a great time!

8 Tantalizing Tidbits:

1. A Must read book and why? I have a hundred Must reads, but for the past few years, The Outlander Series has been on a constant rotation on my kindle; Gorgeous, crisp, poetic writing of adventure, guys in kilts, true love, marital bless one chapter and marital warfare the next. Oh, did I mention the kilts?

2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Equestrian and nature trails are what set our small town apart. Most every day you’ll find me on a trail being dragged behind my unruly husky. A lot of my neighbors own farmettes and keep horses. At the local cafe, it’s not unusual to see women and young girls in their riding pants and boots coming from their Saturday morning riding lessons.

3. When you plot out your book do you know how it will end or do you figure it out as you go? For the majority of my stories, they are fully formed in my head before I type one word. At night, or when I’m vacuuming or doing something mindless, the entire story just pieces together and plays out, and after I have the opening scene tidied up in my head, I start to write it down. It usually comes out pretty fast after that, but then the real ‘work’ part of the process begins, edit and polish.

4. Do you watch a TV show weekly or binge watch? I find I binge read romance series more than watch TV. But it does depend on if Vikings (History Channel) or Outlander (Starz) are on, then yes, I watch weekly and take the batteries out of the remote so my husband doesn’t ‘accidentally-on-purpose’ switch it to hockey. Other than that, I don’t watch much TV. I do binge watch on Netflix from time to time, or as I call it, ‘Taking a mental health day’.

5.What is the craziest souvenir you picked up while traveling? Do you collect things when you travel? That would be the giant wood giraffe from the side of the road in Swaziland, Africa. Its head stuck out the window of the car for days, my husband and his buddy (who lives in South Africa and was touring us around the country) were not impressed, nor was the flight attendant that I begged and pleaded with to have it shoved in the first class closet. Being polite with a big smile has served me well. Overall, I try to bring back smaller tokens of local art and pottery.

6.When you are traveling do you road trip it or fly it? Both and several times a year. I caught the incurable traveling bug when I was young. Fortunately, I married someone who is equal parts gypsy and nomad. For the first fifteen years of our marriage, we worked together in his trucking company. I still have a valid trucker license to this day. We literally lived the Johnny Cash song, ‘I’ve Been Every Where Man.’

So for work, we have driven to every state and major city in Canada and the USA, several times. We travel with our kids and make summer family holiday adventures out of every town we work in. I could write a book on the best children’s museums in North America. When work slows down, in the winter, we hop on a plane and go, usually somewhere hot. We’ve seen a good chunk of the globe and forever keep finding new must see destinations.

7. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be? Heather Graham’s MacAuliffe Viking Trilogy Series is probably to blame for my medieval/ Viking addiction. For me, she writes the perfect balance of an aggressive, alpha male, who are flawed but never failing. Her heroines are all stubborn beauties paired against hot, brave men sailing, righteous crusaders fighting for their families, material is gold for a movie or mini-series.

8. Do you like to cook or go out to eat? I am a chef by default. My husband is allergic to the grocery stores and all things ‘food prep’. It’s a rare medical condition that I’ve seen other husbands ailing from. My sons will not have this affliction. We regularly cook together now that they’re older…although, my Waterloo is baking. I’ve never mastered a piecrust. In ‘The Iron Princess’, Katia pitches a fit in the kitchen trying her hand at baking. It’s a tale taken from personal experience. For the most part, I’m not shy to say I’m a competent cook, ‘master of the ultimate brunch’ and host friends and family nearly every weekend.

BIO:

Sandra Lake was raised in rural Canada. She married her childhood sweetheart (who during her childhood resembled more like her childhood nemesis) and is currently living happily-ever-after along with their kids and unruly husky in eastern Canada.